2003 Volkswagen Passat seats problems
97 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the seats on the 2003 Volkswagen Passat — 15% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“My son was driving (in motion) on hwy 17 in miller county mo with seat heater on saturday nov. 28, 2020. Seat caught on fire. I had noticed when I had seat heater on previously it became so hot as to burn legs. This is a serious problem. It could have burned my car completely. Very dangerous.”
filed Nov 30, 2020
“05/01/2019 car had a dead battery---charge over night still would not start---had the car towed to auto shop--upon arrival with key on approx. 15 min drive--smoke started billowing---disconnected battery---drivers side seat warmer completely melted--mechanic says unit pulling 30 amps--there was a…”
filed May 6, 2019
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Seats problems in other Passat years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 Passat | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 Passat | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 Passat | 3 | 0% |
| 2012 Passat | 3 | 1% |
| 2010 Passat | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 Passat | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 Passat | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 Passat | 5 | 1% |
| 2005 Passat | 13 | 9% |
| 2004 Passat | 34 | 12% |
| 2002 Passat | 15 | 2% |
| 2001 Passat | 7 | 2% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2003 Volkswagen Passat
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.